League Cup Preview

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The duel of the month, the top two in the Premier League table at the moment play for a win, clash of the titans might I say, it’s Arsenal versus Chelsea.

Arsenal host Chelsea at the Emirates tonight for a place in the quarter finals of the Capital One Cup. Both of them having won in the weekend, against Crystal Palace and Manchester City respectively.

Giroud, Ramsey and Ozil have already collectively contributed an impressive 12 goals and 12 assists, proving to be one of the most potent attacking triangles in Europe. Arsenal is a top contender for the title. Chelsea however, can lean on a bigger squad hence more rotation and more options, and that’s Mourinho’s main advantage.

Wenger may look to rest some key players tonight, with the likes of Sagna, Ozil, Mertesacker, Giroud and Gibbs, potentially missing with the upcoming fixtures set to test the Gunners credentials: Liverpool, Dortmund and United are all on the horizon. In addition a number of players remain ruled out through injury – they’ll try to get out alive tonight. Possible Lineup:

A young fast paced team with a killer midfield and big chemistry, yup that’s what Wenger is offering the fans tonight. Monreal will be likely to be in an advanced role with Cazorla closing in the middle behind Bendtner, and Gnabry having signed a new deal will be eager to please. And Wenger will, as we all know, substitute his players on the 65th and 70th minute, Giroud will undoubtedly come for Bendtner, Ozil for Rosicky and the third one would either be Sagna or Mertesacker, depending on the result of the game.

On the other hand, Mourinho having a lot of options to choose from, will most likely turn to Ba or Eto’o to lead the line, resting Torres after an incredible performance at the weekend. Having just Van Ginkel as an injured player, the “Happy” has the rotation luxury to rotate and potentially give Mata, Willian, Bertrand, Luiz, Lampard, Azpilicueta and Mikel precious minutes this evening. Yes I know you’re thinking LOOK AT THAT TEAM! With the talent available to Mourinho, it puts him in the enviable position of having one of the strongest squads in the league.

Chelsea may hold the upper hand tonight with a huge confidence boosting win against City little over 48 hours ago combined with a lineup full of rested and experienced players to call on. Possible lineup:

A very strong team with big names, a strong defense and terrific attacking midfielders, they’ll try to close in on Ramsey, Cazorla and Wilshere if selected to combat their attacking threat, the potential catalysts within an exciting Arsenal team of the team, so we may get to see double teams against those players who’ll have the full support of the fans since they’ll be playing at home. Mourinho could possibly feature Oscar, Ramires and Essien late in the game adding more speed to the team.

It’ll be a close match, both will score in my humble opinion, going for extra time, and the subs each team will make will decide the fate of the match. Arsenal having more chemistry and playing at home, Chelsea very confident and the stronger squad, an exciting match indeed.

About the Author:

Lebanese from Italy, Italian from Lebanon, avid football and fantasy football fanatic, trying to watch all the movies in your attic.